The announcement follows previously announced plans to increase its Group II base stock capacity at refineries in Singapore and Baytown, Texas, U.S.A.

Construction at the Rotterdam refinery, which is subject to obtaining regulatory approvals and final funding authorization by the affiliate, Esso Nederland BV, is scheduled to begin in 2016. Production is expected to begin in 2018.

“If approved, the planned production of Group II base stocks at the Rotterdam refinery will help meet our customers’ needs for a reliable supply of high quality base stocks,” said George Arndt, general manager of global base stock & specialties for ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants.

“The addition of EHC™ base stocks in Europe will help our customers as they seek new growth opportunities throughout the European market and around the world.”

The proposed project will be integrated into existing facilities to minimize environmental impacts and use proprietary technology to efficiently produce light and heavy base stocks and low sulphur diesel fuel. Base stocks are the primary ingredients used in the production of lubricating oils and greases.

The base stocks to be produced at Rotterdam were designed to meet evolving industry requirements and help lubricant blenders achieve greater formulation flexibility and simplify global qualification testing.

The Rotterdam refinery is an important facility in the Rotterdam area and marketplace. This very modern refinery is one of the most energy efficient in Europe. It produces low sulphur petroleum products and feedstock for the chemical industry. Its daily throughput is 190,000 barrels.

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